Chester races past Roman

After a year of waiting and weeks of buildup, Chester and Roman Catholic played one of the most eagerly awaited boys' basketball games in Southeastern Pennsylvania last night.

The result?

Chester, ranked first in the area by The Inquirer, defeated second-ranked Roman Catholic for the second consecutive season.

This time, the Clippers' Maurice Nelson scored 24 points to lead his team to a 61-47 victory in the Primetime Shootout at Villanova's Pavilion. Teammate Rahlir Jefferson added 19 points en route to being named his team's MVP of the game.

Last night's victory enabled Chester to improve to 17-2.

The Cahillites, playing without McDonald's all-American candidate Maalik Wayns, dropped to 13-6. Roman had its nine-game winning streak snapped.

Wayns, a senior point guard, will be sidelined for about three weeks with a meniscus tear in his right knee.

Junior guard Rakeem Brookins led the Cahillites with 22 points. He was named Roman's MVP. Senior forward Koron Reed had 17 points and seven blocks.

Roman Catholic 9 13 14 11 - 47

Chester 15 18 7 21 - 61

RC: Rakeem Brookins 22, Kawaun Chavis 3, Andre Horne 5, Koron Reed 17.

C: Kareem Robinson 1, Laquan Robinson 9, Maurice Nelson 24, Alvin Tinch 2, Dymere Crews 5, Keyon Staples 1, Rahlir Jefferson 19.